The High Court has ruled that access to safe and drinkable water is a fundamental constitutional right of every citizen, placing responsibility on the state to ensure its supply. The full verdict, delivered on 27 February 2025 by Justices Md Ashraful Kamal and Kazi Waliul Islam, has now been released.

The court held that under Article 32 of the Constitution, citizens have the right to safe water as part of the right to life. It also issued a series of directives, ordering the government to protect all water sources from depletion and pollution.

Authorities have been instructed to ensure free safe drinking water at key public places within one year, and to guarantee nationwide access within 10 years. The case will remain under judicial supervision.